Fauntleroy Terminal Reopens After Ferry Crashes Into Dock

SEATTLE — Ferry service suffered another setback Thursday after the vessel Cathlamet crashed into the dock at Fauntleroy. Washington State Ferries confirmed a "hard landing" a few minutes after 8:30 a.m. and witnesses shared several photos showing significant front-end damage to the vessel.

Officials said the vessel struck an offshore "dolphin," one of the large pilings that guide ferries into the dock. Information on what caused the mishap was not immediately available, and officials said they were still gathering details. The Issaquah ferry provided service between Vashon Island and Southworth with no set schedule while service at Fauntleroy was suspended.

In an update shared just after noon, officials said the terminal would remain closed until the U.S. Coast Guard completed a preliminary investigation into the crash and ferries crews could examine the dock to determine if it was safe to use.

The Coast Guard shared images of the damaged pilings and said two cars remained stuck aboard the damaged ferry. WSDOT said the Coast Guard signed off on removing Cathlamet from the terminal shortly after 3 p.m., and it sailed to the Eagle Harbor maintenance facility to undergo repairs.

Service resumed at Fauntleroy roughly 30 minutes later, with the ferries Issaquah and Kitsap sailing with no set schedule.